Australian Solar Water Rebates
It's true! Queenslanders can now effectively triple dip on rebate support when they change their old electric hot water unit to an energy saving solar hot water or heat pump unit.
With all the fuss about rebates in the press of late, it can be a bit hard to keep up with what rebates are on offer, and for what product or even how to claim them. However there is great news for those homeowners that have not already converted to solar or heat pump for heating their hot water.
Here is a current round up of the rebates available in Queensland (see end of article for other states).
1. The Federal Government's $1000 Rebate for an approved solar water heater or $600 for an approved heat pump hot water system, when converting from an electric water heater on existing homes, is still on offer. Why? Because electric storage hot water systems generate the most greenhouse gas emissions, the government's rebate program aims to replace existing electric storage hot water systems by offering this $1,000 rebate. Note: this rebate is available throughout Australia.
2. The Queensland Government recently announced that they would boost this offering with a further $1000 assistance to pensioners and low-income earners and $600 to all other eligible applicants. The Queensland government rebate is independent of the Federal rebate scheme.
3. RECs (Renewable Energy Certificates) are also still available across Australia on all approved water heaters. Total redemption depends on system chosen and postcode installed - this will influence the number of RECs offered and the REC values at the time of redemption. But the cash redemption on 30 RECs, as an example, currently ranges between $1200 and around $1500.
4. LIMITED BONUS - Some reputable manufactures (such as Dux and Rheem) are also offering "Cash Back" vouchers of up to $400 on selected products such as heat pumps, for purchases made before June 2010.
Bear in mind that varying state and federal conditions, qualifications and acceptance criteria may apply for the different rebates.
We suggest you pop into one or two reputable solar hot water company's showrooms. Discuss the rebates and at the same time find out which product (heat pump, split solar or roof mounted solar) would be best suited to your home and your needs. Also check out the government's Technical Manual for Your Home website for in-depth, independent information.
In summary, the Queensland government recommends:
- Get to know the market - find out about the range of solar water heaters, retailers, suppliers and installers
- Once you've done your research, determine the best system for your household needs
- Shop around for the best deal - don't forget to get written quotes (including the RECS you might receive)
- Check that your preferred system and installation meets the rebate eligibility criteria
- Important - make sure you lodge your rebate application within six months of installation
RESOURCES:
Australia-wide:
Queensland:
www.cleanenergy.qld.gov.au/queensland_solar_hot_water_program.cfm
www.brightthing.energy.qld.gov.au/types-of-solar-hot-water-systems.html
Not in Queensland? Never fear you may also be eligible for additional rebates:
New South Wales: An additional rebate for replacement of existing electric hot water systems is available. A $300 cash back is available for new gas, solar or heat pump hot water systems which replace an electric system. To find out more about the NSW rebate, refer to the NSW hot water system rebates website.
Victoria: customers are eligible for a range of point of sale rebates from $300 to $1600 depending on your location (regional/metropolitan) and the kind of hot water system you install. For more information on these rebates please visit the Victorian Resource Smart website.
South Australia: South Australian Government's Solar Hot Water Rebate Scheme provides a rebate of $500 on the cost of a new solar or electric heat pump water heater system installed on or after 1st July 2008. The Rebate Scheme is targeted at low-income households - for more information see the SA Government's Solar Hot Water Rebate website.
Western Australia: The Government of Western Australia is offering householders who install environmentally friendly, gas-boosted solar water heaters rebates from $500 to $700. For more information on these rebates please see the WA Solar Water Heater Subsidy website.
Source: The Green Times - Written by Sean Cochrane and Suze Chalmers
By Holly McCarthy, EcoBizCheck
